THE seventh RMA Network Stock Dog Auction and Trial has quickly established itself as one of the leading genetic dog offerings with buyers from as far as Alice Springs securing stock at the Glen Innes event on the weekend.
Selling 35 of the increased 38 dog offering, the sale averaged $3786 and reached a near auction record of $10,750 for Harris Farm Jimmy, offered by first-time vendor, Tim Mackie, Wallabadah. The fully trained two-year-old Kelpie by Hilton Park Crackers and out of Sherwood Nelly was purchased by local Aaron Jones who operates Jones Livestock Transport.
He plans to use Jimmy when carting sheep and was attracted to the dog’s all-round ability, force and push.
“I watched the videos in the two weeks leading into the auction and I had to be up there on the Thursday and Friday to cart sheep for the trial so I saw him then,” he said.
“I could just see he would be an asset to what I need. A little bit extra over my budget was going to pay off in the long run.”
Having placed third in the vendor trial, Colin Say and Co Director Shad Bailey said Jimmy was one of the most complete yard dogs on offer.
A total of 58 registered bidders attended the auction along with 66 participants online who placed 118 bids and purchased 10 dogs.
Successful buyers spanned from Alice Springs, Victoria, Queensland and southern NSW with pre-sale interest as far north as Isisford and down to Tasmania.
A strong showing of 90 open cattle triallers and 32 open sheep triallers competed across the event with Jai Moar, son of the late Victor Moar, winning both divisions with his own dogs.
The vendor dog trial in the sheep section was won by Bunnan’s Scott Bridge with his dog Bridges Flirt who later sold for $5750 to GL Gibson of Warwick, Queensland.
Second place getter in the vendor trial was Damien Meppem from Gurley with his dog Wilwurk (MEP) Jimmy.
The 15-month-old Kelpie was described as early trained and sold for $9000 to Justin Ramsay, Moree.
Cattle trial champion was awarded to Tony Overton from Walcha with his Border Collie called Sarge who made $3000 to Bill Nadin, Warren.
Mr Overton also catalogued the youngest dog of the auction with the 11-month-old cream Kelpie, Gwydir Scooby. The pup made $7250, selling to first-time and bulk buyer Shaun Walcott, Delegate, who secured three dogs in total.
The top price Border Collie was on account of Tyler Hodgman, Pinkett, with Kelaher’s Runt making $6000 to Peter Vicary, Bellata.
Colin Say and Co’s Shad Bailey said a number of dogs also made between $1000 and $2000 with affordable options for all budgets.
“We have really grown and proven that we can sell these better genetic dogs,” he said.
“When we first started everyone was a little hesitant, all the money was in the south, but now we have proven that we can (sell them here) and the AuctionsPlus system is a very good help.”